The 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Thursday highlighted a critical issue in Nigeria’s education system: many first-class graduates are unable to secure employment due to a lack of relevant skills.
Sanusi emphasized the importance of human capital in economic development, stating, “The key to economic development is human capital. Investing in people is paramount. Rivers State needs robust education and skills training programmes that essentially aim to prepare youths to be the future for us.”
He recounted a discussion with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, expressing his concern over the numerous CVs from young individuals with first-class degrees who remain unemployed. “I was speaking to the governor today, telling him that I’m sure he, as I do, and all of us, have hundreds of CVs of young people who have first-class degrees. Unfortunately, they cannot do anything to get a formal job because they have not been equipped with the right skills for this economy.”
Sanusi, recently reinstated as the Emir of Kano, commended the governor for his efforts to chart a new path for growth and prosperity in the state. He noted that while Rivers State is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, this alone is insufficient to transform the state’s fortunes. Instead, he argued that purposeful leadership and investment in human capital are crucial.
Sanusi’s remarks were delivered at the ongoing Rivers Economic and Investment Summit in Port Harcourt, highlighting the urgent need for educational reform and skills development in Nigeria to bridge the gap between academic achievements and employability.
